Count it all joy when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. ~ James 1:2-4

I am on a journey…a journey to find joy in all things, ALL things. And on this journey I’m learning that there is joy in the letting go and laying down — in the letting go of perfection and expectations and in the laying down of busyness and distractions — expectations of who I should be, who my husband should be, who our children should be, and distractions that steal my attention from the truly important things in life. I’m finding joy in trading the material for the eternal and trading perfection for what’s real. Because it’s not a full schedule of extracurricular activities and a social agenda that makes a happy life, or a house full of all the latest must-have gadgets and toys. It’s the rested mommy who has the energy for just one more story. It’s the undistracted daddy who has time to throw the ball 5 more minutes. It’s the family who gathers around the dinner table to share their day with their closest companions. These are what make a happy life. It’s the little things, the everyday things, the ordinary things, the monotonous things that matter, and it’s the sharing of these seemingly small things that turns a house into a home. Day in and day out — caring for one another, sharing with one another, loving one another — it’s what makes a family a family. And it’s what brings warmth to my heart, strength to my frame, and life to my soul. It brings joy to my journey.